ID :
197051
Mon, 07/25/2011 - 13:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/197051
The shortlink copeid
Enquiry into chopper crashes to take a month
PETCHABURI, July 25 (TNA) - Thailand’s Army Aviation Center Commander Major General Pitaya Krajangwong says he expects an enquiry made into helicopter crashes in the country to finish in a month.
The tragedy, in which three helicopters plunged one after another into the Kaeng Krajan National Park in lower central Petchaburi province, was described as one of the nation’s most desperate moments, yet leaving many confused, perplexed and anxious.
Maj Gen Pitaya on Monday said a committee would be set up by the Thai Army to investigate causes the crashes, and thereafter a conclusion should be made, possibly in one month.
The incident was of great loss to the Army, we lost as many as 11 pilots, he said, insisting the crew aboard was trained and highly experienced.
The Thai military official acknowledged the first two crashes, involving a Huey and a Blackhawk, was a result of turbulent weather, while saying the case with the Bell 212 was likely a trouble with its tail rotor, not its engine as earlier thought.
He also dismissed speculations that the helicopters were overused, saying that they were operated with caution and regularly underwent maintenance checks according to safety standards.
Meanwhile, privy councilor ACM Chalit Pukpasuk, outgoing Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and armed forces chiefs arrived at Wat Thung Lat Ya temple in Kanchanaburi province on Monday afternoon, during which a royally sponsored bathing rite was held for the bodies of soldiers killed in the crashes. (TNA)
The tragedy, in which three helicopters plunged one after another into the Kaeng Krajan National Park in lower central Petchaburi province, was described as one of the nation’s most desperate moments, yet leaving many confused, perplexed and anxious.
Maj Gen Pitaya on Monday said a committee would be set up by the Thai Army to investigate causes the crashes, and thereafter a conclusion should be made, possibly in one month.
The incident was of great loss to the Army, we lost as many as 11 pilots, he said, insisting the crew aboard was trained and highly experienced.
The Thai military official acknowledged the first two crashes, involving a Huey and a Blackhawk, was a result of turbulent weather, while saying the case with the Bell 212 was likely a trouble with its tail rotor, not its engine as earlier thought.
He also dismissed speculations that the helicopters were overused, saying that they were operated with caution and regularly underwent maintenance checks according to safety standards.
Meanwhile, privy councilor ACM Chalit Pukpasuk, outgoing Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and armed forces chiefs arrived at Wat Thung Lat Ya temple in Kanchanaburi province on Monday afternoon, during which a royally sponsored bathing rite was held for the bodies of soldiers killed in the crashes. (TNA)
